^M^ SkaDOOSH: Jade Market (Taiwan - Sunday, March 28, 2010)

I just couldn't resist getting another shampoo/head massage for US$6. The girl I got today was even better than the one from earlier in the week. Not only did she hit what I assume are pressure points on my head, she also gave me a hot towel for my neck. Heaven. Got some a photo this time courtesy of my dad. So if you're ever in NeiHu, go to the Mentor salon.

Dim sum lunching so Kevin could get a taste.

YeYe showed us his incredible Jade stash. He's been collecting from the Jade Market for something like 30 years.

Afterwards we actually went to the Jade Market... which is enormous.

You used to have your name carved into the bottom of a block of stone. You'd press it into some red ink and onto a paper to sign your name. I totally have one. I have to go find it now. This guys would make them for you on the spot.

Owlie! I already had to sew is eyeball back on.

Uncle Stone had a lot of trouble threading this fish... I couldn't do it either.

When we got back to the flat, Stone showed us some pieces from his collection. He's been taking classes on how to tell how old the jade is and he tried to teach us a little. He taught us 3 rules but I can only remember 2:

1) It should not be super smooth. This means the piece was machined

2) From afar the pattern should look orderly but from up close it should look random. Newer pieces will look random from afar but when you look up close you'll be able to see a pattern.

What I took from this is that everything he has is super cool, super super old, and super expensive. Nice.